Casodex

Casodex

What is Casodex?

Casodex (bicalutamide) is an anti-androgen. It works in the body by preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).Casodex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Casodex is used to treat prostate cancer. This medicine should never be taken by a woman or a child.

Casodex can harm your liver. Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Casodex if you are allergic to bicalutamide.

Use effective birth control if your sexual partner is able to get pregnant. An unborn baby can be harmed if a man fathers the child while he is using bicalutamide. Keep using birth control for at least 130 days (about 19 weeks) after your last dose.

Casodex should never be taken by a woman or a child.

Although Casodex is not for use by women, this medicine can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.

To make sure Casodex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease;

diabetes; or

if you also take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

How should I take Casodex?

Take Casodex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Casodex is usually taken once per day in the morning or evening. You may take the medicine with or without food. Try to take the medication at the same time each day.

Casodex is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medicine called a luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-ize-ing) hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH. These medicines prevent the testicles from producing testosterone.

Treatment with Casodex and LHRH is usually started at the same time. Follow your doctor's instructions.

LHRH is given as an injection or a tiny implant injected through a needle under the skin around your navel. LHRH injections are given at intervals such as once every 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your LHRH injection.

Casodex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Casodex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Casodex?

Other drugs may interact with bicalutamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

What should I avoid while taking Casodex?

Casodex may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Bicalutamide can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Bicalutamide can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Uses of Casodex

Casodex is a prescription medication used in combination with other medications to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Casodex Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Casodex and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. Casodex may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how Casodex works.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your healthcare providers when you get a new medicine.